On March 31, Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the new concept of the country’s foreign policy. The President described the document as “balanced” and stressed that all decisions “in the medium and long term” would be based on it.
Explaining that the concept needs to be updated, Putin emphasized that this is necessary for “radical changes in international life”.
Decree No. 229 “On Approval of the Concept of Foreign Policy of the Russian Federation” published on the legal information portal.
The paragraph “The concept is a strategic planning document and represents a system of views on the national interests of the Russian Federation in the field of foreign policy, the main principles, strategic objectives, main tasks and priority areas of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation” reads one.
There are 76 points in the document, they are divided into six thematic sections. The new concept is presented on 42 pages. It was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation together with other federal executive bodies. Earlier, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, stated that the new strategic concept of NATO was taken into account, above all, in the preparation of the document.
The decree entered into force on the day of its signing – March 31.
Main points
In the document, Russia is called “an original country civilization”, “an enormous Eurasian and Euro-Pacific power”, as well as a “stronghold of the Russian world”.
He refers to other states of the Russian Federation, taking into account their “constructive, neutral or hostile” policies towards Moscow.
Russia is not an enemy of the West and does not isolate itself from it. The Russian authorities have no hostile intentions.
One of the priorities of humanitarian policy is to counter Russian hostility.
The political course of the United States is the main source of anti-Russian policy and risks to the security of the Russian Federation and the “just development of humanity”.
Russian authorities consider Islamic civilization to be friendly and will seek to strengthen “mutually beneficial comprehensive cooperation”. Also among the “friends” are China, India and Latin American countries.
The Russian Federation may use its armed forces to repel or prevent an armed attack against itself or its allies.
Russia’s main project in its 21st year is “to transform Eurasia into a single continent-wide area of peace, stability, mutual trust, development and prosperity”.
“Revolutionary Movements”
Speaking at a meeting of the Security Council, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented on the new Concept and noted that one of its main propositions is: “Anti-Russian steps by unfriendly states will be “continuously suppressed and, if necessary, harshly.”
By introducing a clause on the use of the RF Armed Forces to repel or prevent an armed attack (the previous Concept did not mention this, only Article 51 of the UN Charter on self-defense of states), Moscow stated this. The diplomat said he would protect his interests in every possible way.
“Therefore, we firmly declare that we will defend the right of the Russian people to exist and develop freely,” the minister said.
According to him, the document reflects “revolutionary developments” in international politics. “The logic of the document … reflects the changing geopolitical realities, the revolutionary advances on the outer contour that actually gained a noticeable momentum with the start of the NWO,” Lavrov summed up.
“Change the world order”
Senator Sergei Tsekov expressed confidence that the new concept of foreign policy would change the world order and, above all, force the United States to “reconsider its role” and possibly correct its “hostile policy”.
“The concept will change the world order and formulate principles that will lead to the end of US domination. Otherwise, they will become pariahs,” Erdogan said, adding that “almost every country in the world suffers because of Washington.”
According to him, the security of the new world order will be ensured by the countries that gain weight and follow an independent foreign policy, especially the BRICS countries.
Security Guarantees
Political scientist Yuri Knutov believes the updated document focuses on ensuring Russia’s security and seeking guarantees.
In an interview with Izvestia, the expert said, “We are now moving from the fact that security guarantees will be provided by turning to the South, the East, cooperation with Asian, Latin American and African countries.”
According to Knutov, the Russian Federation will focus on equality in its relations with countries when choosing its foreign policy and trade partners.
Knutov also emphasizes that the document is based on traditional values. This “cultural code” helps to unify society.
previous version
President Vladimir Putin approved the previous version on November 30, 2016. Among the main tasks at that time were “preserving and strengthening strong positions in the world community” and “creating good neighborly relations with neighboring states”.
The first concept of Russian foreign policy was approved in 1993.
Source: Gazeta
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.